System and method for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks

ABSTRACT

A system and method for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks is provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/196,619, filed Jul. 24, 2015, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to video games, and more particularly to a system and method for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multiplayer video games, which enable two or more players to play in a cooperative or adversarial relationship during a gameplay session, have exploded in popularity due, in part, to services such as Microsoft's Xbox LIVE® and Sony's PlayStation Network®, which enable gamers all over the world to play with or against one another.

First-person shooter games are one example of a popular genre of multiplayer video games. Typically, in a first-person shooter game, players may customize a weapon for use during gameplay. For example, a player may be presented with options to personalize various weapon attributes to alter a weapon's performance and/or appearance. Prior to commencing a gameplay session, a player may, for instance, select a particular weapon, equip the selected weapon with one or more weapon attachments, and apply a desired finish (e.g., a particular paint job, camouflage, etc.). Oftentimes, a player may select and customize a weapon based on game type, his or her role within the game (e.g., sniper), individual preferences, or other considerations.

In many instances, if a player opts to alter a customized weapon, the weapon in its previous configuration is erased. As such, a player that wishes to use a previously-customized weapon must recreate the customized weapon from scratch. This process can be time consuming and frustrating for gamers.

In some first-person shooter games, players may have personalized or customized player profiles that enable them to customize the appearance of their avatar (or game character), their weapons, perks or special abilities, and the like. For example, in “Call of Duty®,” the first-person shooter video game franchise published by Activision Publishing, Inc., players may create a personalized class, also referred to as a “loadout,” to be used in a gameplay session. In many such first-person shooter games, however, if a player wishes to utilize a customized weapon in a different profile (or class), the player must again create the customized weapon from scratch.

The requirement to recreate customized weapons at various points of gameplay in a first-person shooter video game may result in a poor or unsatisfying player experience. This may result in a decreased desire to continue playing the video game.

Further, current first-person shooter games do not appear to enable players to make their customized weapons available for use by other game players during a gameplay session, nor do performance statistics for customized weapons appear to be monitored, stored, or shared.

These and other drawbacks exist with customization of weapons in current first-person shooter multiplayer video games.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention addressing these and other drawbacks relates to a system and method for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks.

According to an aspect of the invention, a weapon customization engine may enable a video game player to select and customize a weapon to be used in a gameplay session. In various implementations, a player may select and customize a weapon based on game type, his or her role within the game (e.g., sniper), individual preferences, or other considerations. Weapons may be customized prior to commencement of a gameplay session, or at other times.

In one implementation, a player may select a type of weapon to be used in a gameplay session via one or more user interfaces. Non-limiting examples of weapon types may include, without limitation, assault weapons, heavy weapons, sniper rifles, shotguns, submachine guns, pistols, or other weapon types.

A player may further select a weapon from among a chosen weapon type. Each weapon type, for example, may comprise one or more associated weapons.

In one implementation, the various weapon types and associated weapons made available for selection may be system-defined (e.g., defined by the game logic), user-defined (e.g., through one or more user interfaces prior to the commencement of a gameplay session), or a combination thereof. A player's skill level (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced), game type, or other factors may additionally be used to determine whether some or all weapon types and associated weapons are made available to the player for selection.

According to an aspect of the invention, once a weapon has been selected, the weapon customization engine may enable a player to customize the selected weapon by selecting one or more weapon attributes via one or more user interfaces. Weapon attributes may comprise weapon performance attributes, weapon appearance attributes, or other attributes.

Examples of weapon performance attributes may comprise various weapon attachments, components, or accessories including, but not limited to, sights and optics, suppressors, grips, extended magazines, trigger types, bullet types, barrels, launchers, etc. that can impact the performance of a weapon.

Weapon appearance attributes may comprise characteristics concerning the finish of (all or a portion of) a weapon including, but not limited to, paint job, camouflages, or other decorative skins for a weapon. Weapon appearance attributes may also comprise cosmetic variants of weapon attachments, components, or accessories such as, for example, those listed above.

In some instances, certain customizations of a weapon may be non-visible (e.g., upgraded bullets) or difficult to see (e.g., a customized grip). As such, to visually depict such customizations, one or more visual effects or indicators may be utilized. For example, a portion of a weapon or weapon attachment, component, or accessory may glow in one or more colors to indicate a customization, or be shown as translucent, or shaded, or with a custom skin applied, or with a particle effect, or some other effect applied. Numerous examples are possible. Additionally or alternatively, a graphical indicator (e.g., a floating icon, text box, or other graphic) may be displayed in close proximity to the weapon (e.g., hover above or below the weapon) during gameplay to convey the customization. Other visual depictions may be implemented.

In various implementations, customizable attributes may differ based on weapon and/or weapon type. Moreover, a player's skill level, game type, or other factors may also be used to determine whether some or all weapon attributes are made available to the player for customization. As a non-limiting example, some weapon attributes may be “unlocked” or otherwise made available for a player after the player has achieved a certain score, level, or other performance benchmark during gameplay. For instance, a player may be required to complete a certain action (e.g., killing two people with a single bullet) a predetermined number of times to unlock weapon performance attributes and/or weapon appearance attributes. Other examples may of course be implemented.

According to one aspect of the invention, a configuration creation engine may create and store a weapon configuration (or weapon profile) based on a weapon and/or weapon attributes selected by a player. In one implementation, a player may be provided an option to create a weapon configuration after selection and/or customization of a weapon. Alternatively, a weapon configuration may be automatically created after a player has selected a weapon and/or weapon attributes. In some implementations, players may create multiple weapon configurations for use during various gameplay sessions.

In one implementation, the configuration creation engine may associate a name with a created weapon configuration for easy identification of the weapon configuration. For example, a name or other identifier may be assigned to or associated with a weapon configuration. A player may also enter a name (e.g., “Frank's Pain Inflictor”) or other identifier during or after creation of a weapon configuration. A name or identifier may comprise a predetermined number (e.g., sixteen) of letters, numbers, and/or other characters. Other types of data may be associated with a weapon configuration.

According to an aspect of the invention, each weapon configuration may include a performance profile comprising one or more weapon performance statistics. Examples of weapon performance statistics may include, for example, damage, accuracy, fire rate, range, handling, mobility, reload time, magazine size, and damage multipliers, among others. Each performance statistic may have an associated number (or other value or rating) that falls within a predetermined range. Each weapon or weapon type may have different weapon performance statistics than other weapons or weapon types. As a non-limiting example, when compared to a submachine gun, a sniper rifle may have a higher range proficiency (or rating), but a lower fire rate.

In one implementation, the configuration creation engine may establish a performance profile for a customized weapon configuration. For example, a given weapon may have an initial or template performance profile. One or more of the weapon performance statistics comprising the performance profile may then be adjusted depending on the particular weapon attributes selected by the player. Each weapon attribute may impact one or more of the weapon performance statistics by a predetermined amount in a positive or negative manner, or have a neutral impact. As a non-limiting example, a weapon equipped with a suppressor attachment may have a reduced damage proficiency (or rating) and range proficiency as compared to the same weapon without the suppressor attachment. In an alternative example, an assault rifle used with a full metal jacket may have an increased damage proficiency, but a reduced accuracy proficiency.

Prior to or during a gameplay session, a player may select to use a default (e.g., a stock or template) weapon configuration, a weapon configuration previously created by the player, or a weapon configuration from among various weapon configurations that have been created and shared (or otherwise made available) by other players (as described in greater detail below).

In some implementations, a player may also select a weapon configuration when creating a personalized or customized player profile, or a “class” or “loadout” in the Call of Duty® franchise. To avoid having to re-create a customized weapon configuration from scratch when creating a new player profile (or class), the invention enables a player to select a weapon configuration previously created by the player, or by other players. In some implementations, a created weapon configuration may be provided for selection whenever a player has an any opportunity to select or create a new weapon.

According to an aspect of the invention, a monitoring engine may monitor and store a variety of statistics during a gameplay session. Monitored gameplay statistics may include, for example, player performance statistics when using a weapon configuration, weapon usage statistics, or other gameplay statistics.

Examples of player performance statistics for a given weapon configuration may include number of kills, accuracy, kill-to-death ratio, win-loss ratio, kills per minute, score, or other statistics.

Weapon usage statistics for a given weapon configuration may include number of shots fired, number of games played, time played, weapon progress, and/or other information related to the use or performance of a weapon configuration.

Player performance statistics and/or weapon usage statistics may be uniform across some or all weapon configurations. Alternatively, some weapon configurations may have a unique set of gameplay statistics based on, for example, weapon, weapon type, and/or weapon attributes.

In one implementation, gameplay statistics for a weapon configuration may be monitored and stored based on each use of the weapon configuration by a player. Acquired statistics may be analyzed on a per player basis, or aggregated for two or more players, over any number of gameplay sessions and/or for any given time period. In this manner, various subsets of monitored gameplay statistics for a given weapon configuration can be obtained.

According to an aspect of the invention, for a given weapon configuration, one or more player performance statistics may be added or averaged over a predetermined number of gameplay sessions (or over a predetermined time interval) to generate an overall player performance rating for a player for that weapon configuration. The overall player performance rating for one or more players for a given weapon configuration may be added or averaged to generate a global player performance rating for that weapon configuration.

Likewise, for a given weapon configuration, one or more weapon usage statistics may be added or averaged over a predetermined number of gameplay sessions (or over a predetermined time interval) to generate an overall weapon usage rating for a player for that weapon configuration. The overall weapon usage rating for one or more players for a given weapon configuration may be added or averaged to generate a global weapon usage rating for that weapon configuration.

In one implementation, a global player performance rating for a given weapon configuration and a global weapon usage rating for the same weapon configuration may be added or averaged to generate a single weapon performance rating for the weapon configuration.

In some implementations, players may, via one or more user interfaces, browse or filter various weapon configurations available for selection and use by one or more of individual player performance rating, global player performance rating, individual weapon usage rating, global weapon usage rating, or single weapon performance rating.

According to an aspect of the invention, a sharing engine may enable a player to share weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics associated with use of weapon configurations, both internally (e.g., in-game) and externally (e.g., via one or more external social networks).

For example, for a given weapon configuration, a player may specify that he or she wishes to share one or more of weapon type, weapon, weapon performance attributes, weapon appearance attributes, weapon performance statistics, player performance statistics, weapon usage statistics, individual player performance rating, global player performance rating, individual weapon usage rating, global weapon usage rating, single weapon performance rating, or other information relating the weapon configuration. A player may further specify that he or she wishes to make a customized weapon configuration available for gameplay by one or more other players.

In some implementations, a user may specify that a customized weapon configuration and/or some or all of the foregoing information be made available to all players, or a subset of players including, but not limited to, friends (or followers), or team members, or other groups of players.

The sharing engine may enable a player to share weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics internally (or in-game) via, for example, an in-game social network or a game publisher-centric social network accessible in-game by game players.

Additionally or alternatively, the sharing engine may enable a player to share weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics via one or more external social networks (e.g., Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Tumblr, etc.).

In one implementation of the invention, the sharing engine may enable a player to transmit communications (e.g., email messages, text messages, or other electronic communications) that include hyperlinks or other selectable graphical user interface objects that enable recipients to access the shared information.

In yet another implementation of the invention, the sharing engine may further enable a player to include personalized text, graphics, pictures, audio, video, or other multimedia when sharing weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics.

According to an aspect of the invention, the sharing engine may further enable a player to issue challenges to one or more other video game players to obtain or exceed certain player performance statistics, weapon usage statistics, or ratings, and/or achieve other objectives using a given weapon configuration. Challenges may have predetermined durations such that a challenge issuer may require a challenge recipient to attempt or complete a challenge within a predetermined number of gameplay sessions, or within a predetermined time interval.

In one implementation, players may follow the progress of various challenges via one or more challenge interfaces. For example, for a given challenge, a display, timer, or other interface element may convey challenge-related information including, without limitation, time remaining for challenge, number of gameplay sessions remaining for challenge, number of attempts thus far by challenge recipient, recipient performance statistics or ratings thus far, and the like.

While aspects of the invention may be described herein with reference to various game levels or modes, characters, roles, game items, etc. associated with a “shooter” game, it should be appreciated that any such examples are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to be limiting. The system and method described in detail herein may be used in any genre of video game, without limitation. For example, in addition to customizing video game weapons, the features and functionality described herein may be applied to the customization of other video game objects (e.g., race cars, spaceships, forts, etc.) and/or video game characters (or avatars) and their respective attributes.

Additionally, while aspects of the invention may be further described with reference to multiplayer video games, it should be recognized that the features and functionality described herein are equally applicable to a single player video game.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the system and/or method disclosed herein, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary system for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks, according to an implementation of the invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary system for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks, according to an implementation of the invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary system configuration in which a server hosts a plurality of computer devices to facilitate a multiplayer video game, according to an implementation of the invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary system configuration in which a plurality of networked servers communicate with one another to facilitate a multiplayer video game, according to an implementation of the invention.

FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary system configuration in which a plurality of computer devices are networked together to facilitate a multiplayer video game, according to an implementation of the invention.

FIGS. 3A-3E each depict an exemplary weapon configuration interface, according to an implementation of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary flowchart of processing operations for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks, according to an implementation of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein relates to a system and method for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks.

Exemplary System Architecture

FIGS. 1A and 1B each depict an exemplary architecture of a system 100 which may include one or more computer systems 110, one or more servers 150, one or more databases 160, and/or other components.

FIG. 1A illustrates an implementation in which server(s) 150 function as a host computer that hosts gameplay between other devices, such as computer system(s) 110.

FIG. 1B illustrates an implementation in which a given computer system 110 functions as a host computer that hosts gameplay between (or with) other devices, such as other computer system(s) 110. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the description of various system components may refer to either or both of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Computer System 110

Computer system 110 may be configured as a gaming console, a handheld gaming device, a personal computer (e.g., a desktop computer, a laptop computer, etc.), a smartphone, a tablet computing device, and/or other device that can be used to interact with an instance of a video game.

Referring to FIG. 1B, computer system 110 may include one or more processors 112 (also interchangeably referred to herein as processors 112, processor(s) 112, or processor 112 for convenience), one or more storage devices 114 (which may store a weapon customization application 120), one or more peripherals 140, and/or other components. Processors 112 may be programmed by one or more computer program instructions. For example, processors 112 may be programmed by weapon customization application 120 and/or other instructions (such as gaming instructions used to instantiate the game).

Depending on the system configuration, weapon customization application 120 (or portions thereof) may be part of a game application, which creates a game instance to facilitate gameplay. Alternatively or additionally, weapon customization application 120 may run on a device such as a server 150 to enable players participating in an “online” game hosted by server 150 to customize weapons.

Weapon customization application 120 may include instructions that program computer system 110. The instructions may include, without limitation, a weapon customization engine 122, a configuration creation engine 124, a monitoring engine 126, a sharing engine 128, and/or other instructions 130 that program computer system 110 to perform various operations, each of which are described in greater detail herein. As used herein, for convenience, the various instructions will be described as performing an operation, when, in fact, the various instructions program the processors 112 (and therefore computer system 110) to perform the operation.

Peripherals 140

Peripherals 140 may be used to obtain an input (e.g., direct input, measured input, etc.) from a player. Peripherals 140 may include, without limitation, a game controller, a gamepad, a keyboard, a mouse, an imaging device such as a camera, a motion sensing device, a light sensor, a biometric sensor, and/or other peripheral device that can obtain an input from a player. Peripherals 140 may be coupled to a corresponding computer system 110 via a wired and/or wireless connection.

Server 150

Server 150 may include one or computing devices. Referring to FIG. 1A, server 150 may include one or more physical processors 152 (also interchangeably referred to herein as processors 152, processor(s) 152, or processor 152 for convenience) programmed by computer program instructions, one or more storage devices 154 (which may store a map management application 120), and/or other components. Processors 152 may be programmed by one or more computer program instructions. For example, processors 152 may be programmed by gaming instructions used to instantiate the game.

Depending on the system configuration, weapon customization application 120 (or portions thereof) may be part of a game application, which creates a game instance to facilitate gameplay. Alternatively or additionally, portions or all of weapon customization application 120 may run on computer system 110 or server 150.

Although each is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as a single component, computer system 110 and server 150 may each include a plurality of individual components (e.g., computer devices) each programmed with at least some of the functions described herein. In this manner, some components of computer system 110 and/or server 150 may perform some functions while other components may perform other functions, as would be appreciated. Thus, either or both server 150 and computer system 100 may function as a host computer programmed by weapon customization application 120. The one or more processors (112, 152) may each include one or more physical processors that are programmed by computer program instructions. The various instructions described herein are exemplary only. Other configurations and numbers of instructions may be used, so long as the processor(s) (112, 152) are programmed to perform the functions described herein.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that although the various instructions are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B as being co-located within a single processing unit, in implementations in which processor(s) (112, 152) include multiple processing units, one or more instructions may be executed remotely from the other instructions.

The description of the functionality provided by the different instructions described herein is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of instructions may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of the instructions may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of the instructions. As another example, processor(s) (112,152) may be programmed by one or more additional instructions that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed herein to one of the instructions.

Storage Devices (114,154)

The various instructions described herein may be stored in one or more storage devices, such as storage devices (114, 154) which may comprise random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and/or other memory. The storage device may store the computer program instructions (e.g., the aforementioned instructions) to be executed by processor (112, 152) as well as data that may be manipulated by processor (112, 152). The storage device may comprise floppy disks, hard disks, optical disks, tapes, or other storage media for storing computer-executable instructions and/or data.

Network 102

The various components illustrated in FIG. 1 may be coupled to at least one other component via a network, which may include any one or more of, for instance, the Internet, an intranet, a PAN (Personal Area Network), a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a SAN (Storage Area Network), a MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), a wireless network, a cellular communications network, a Public Switched Telephone Network, and/or other network. In FIG. 1, as well as in other drawing Figures, different numbers of entities than those depicted may be used. Furthermore, according to various implementations, the components described herein may be implemented in hardware and/or software that configure hardware.

Databases 160

The various databases 160 described herein may be, include, or interface to, for example, an Oracle™ relational database sold commercially by Oracle Corporation. Other databases, such as Informix™, DB2 (Database 2) or other data storage, including file-based, or query formats, platforms, or resources such as OLAP (On Line Analytical Processing), SQL (Structured Query Language), a SAN (storage area network), Microsoft Access™ or others may also be used, incorporated, or accessed. The database may comprise one or more such databases that reside in one or more physical devices and in one or more physical locations. The database may store a plurality of types of data and/or files and associated data or file descriptions, administrative information, or any other data.

Exemplary Multiplayer System Configurations

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary system configuration 200A in which a server hosts a plurality of computer devices to facilitate a multiplayer game, according to an implementation of the invention. In one implementation, one or more servers 150 may host a number of computer systems 110 (illustrated as computer systems 110A, 110B, . . . , 110N) via a network 102. Each computer system 110 may include one or more peripherals (illustrated as peripherals 140A, 140B, . . . , 140N). In this manner, one or more servers 150 may facilitate the gameplay of different players using different computer systems 110 and/or otherwise provide one or more operations of weapon customization application 120.

In some instances, a given server 150 may be associated with a proprietary gameplay network system, such as, without limitation, Microsoft's Xbox LIVE® and Sony's PlayStation Network®, and/or another type of gameplay network system. In this implementation, a given computer system 110 may be associated with a particular type of gaming console. Other types of computer systems 110 using other types of gameplay networks may be used as well.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary system configuration 200B in which a plurality of computer systems 110 are networked together to facilitate a multiplayer game, according to an implementation of the invention. Any one or more of the computer devices 110 may serve as a host and/or otherwise provide one or more operations of weapon customization application 120.

FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary system configuration 200C in which a computer system 110 is used by a plurality of players to facilitate a multiplayer game, according to an implementation of the invention. In an implementation, computer system 110 may be considered to host the multiplayer game and/or otherwise provide one or more operations of weapon customization application 120.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2C, in an implementation, a host may facilitate the multiplayer game and/or perform other operations described herein. In an implementation, at least some of these operations may also or instead be performed by an individual computer system 110. Furthermore, the illustrated system configurations are exemplary only and should not be viewed as limiting in any way. Other system configurations may be used as well, as would be appreciated by those having skill in the art.

Selecting and Customizing Weapons

According to an aspect of the invention, weapon customization engine 122 (of weapon configuration application 120) may enable a player to select and customize a weapon to be used in a gameplay session. In various implementations, a player may select and customize a weapon based on game type, his or her role within the game (e.g., sniper), individual preferences, or other considerations. Weapons may be customized prior to commencement of a gameplay session, or at other times.

Selecting a Weapon Type/Weapon

Weapon customization engine 122 may enable a player to select a weapon to be used in a gameplay session via one or more user interfaces. Weapons may be selected from among one or more weapon types. Non-limiting examples of weapon types may include, without limitation, assault weapons, light machine guns, sniper rifles, shotguns, submachine guns, pistols, or other weapon types.

Each weapon type may comprise one or more associated weapons. For example, the assault weapon type may include, without limitation, assault rifles such as an M16 assault rifle, an AK47 assault rifle, an AUG assault rifle, a Famas assault rifle, and/or other types of assault weapons.

The light machine gun weapon type may include, without limitation, machine guns such as an M60 light machine gun, an HK21 light machine gun, an RPK light machine gun, and/or other types of light machine guns.

The sniper rifle weapon type may include, without limitation, sniper rifles such as an L96A1 sniper rifle, a PSG1 sniper rifle, a Dragunov sniper rifle, and/or other types of sniper rifles.

The shotgun weapon type may include, without limitation, shotguns such as an SPAS-12 shotgun, a Stakeout shotgun, an Olympia shotgun, and/or other types of shotguns.

The submachine gun weapon type may include, without limitation, submachine guns such as an MP5 submachine gun, a Skorpion submachine gun, an MAC11 submachine gun, a UZI submachine gun, and/or other types of submachine guns.

The pistol weapon type may include, without limitations, pistols and handguns such as an M1911 pistol, an ASP pistol, a Beretta pistol, and/or other types of pistols or handguns.

In one implementation, the various weapon types and associated weapons made available for selection may be system-defined (e.g., defined by the game logic), user-defined (e.g., through one or more user interfaces prior to the commencement of a gameplay session), or a combination thereof. In addition, a player's skill level (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced), game type, or other factors may be used to determine whether some or all weapon types and associated weapons are made available to the player for selection. As an example, some weapon types may be “unlocked” or otherwise made available for a player after the player has achieved certain score, levels, or other performance benchmarks during gameplay. Information relating to each weapon type and its associated weapons may be stored (e.g., in database 160).

Selecting Weapon Attributes

According to an aspect of the invention, once a weapon has been selected, weapon customization engine 122 may enable a player to customize the selected weapon by selecting one or more weapon attributes via one or more user interfaces. Weapon attributes may comprise weapon performance attributes which may alter the performance of a weapon, weapon appearance attributes which may alter the appearance of a weapon, or other attributes.

Examples of weapon performance attributes may comprise various weapon attachments, components, or accessories including, but not limited to, sights and optics, suppressors, grips, extended magazines, trigger types, bullet types, barrels, launchers, etc. that can impact the performance of a weapon.

Weapon appearance attributes may comprise characteristics concerning the finish of (all or a portion of) a weapon including, but not limited to, paint job, camouflages, or other decorative skins for a weapon. Weapon appearance attributes may also comprise cosmetic variants of weapon attachments, components, or accessories such as, for example, those listed above.

As previously noted, certain customizations of a weapon may be non-visible (e.g., upgraded bullets) or difficult to see (e.g., a customized grip). As such, to visually depict such customizations, one or more visual effects or indicators may be utilized. For example, a portion of a weapon or weapon attachment, component, or accessory may glow in one or more colors to indicate a customization, or be shown as translucent, or shaded, or with a custom skin applied, or with a particle effect, or some other effect applied. Numerous examples are possible. Additionally or alternatively, a graphical indicator (e.g., a floating icon, text box, or other graphic) may be displayed in close proximity to the weapon (e.g., hover above or below the weapon) during gameplay to convey the customization. Other visual depictions may be implemented.

It should be appreciated that customizable attributes may differ based on weapon and/or weapon type (e.g., one or more scopes or sights may be available for a sniper rifle, but not for a pistol or handgun). Moreover, a player's skill level (e.g., beginner, intermediate, advanced), game type, or other factors may be used to determine whether some or all weapon attributes are made available to the player for customization. As an example, some weapon attributes may be “unlocked” or otherwise made available for a player after the player has achieved certain score, levels, or other performance benchmarks during gameplay. For instance, a player may be required to complete a certain action (e.g., killing two people with a single bullet) a predetermined number of times to unlock weapon performance attributes and/or weapon appearance attributes. Other examples may of course be implemented. Information relating to customizable attributes may be stored (e.g., in database 160).

Creating and Storing Weapon Configurations

According to an aspect of the invention, configuration creation engine 124 (of weapon configuration application 120) may create and store a weapon configuration (or weapon profile) based on a weapon and/or weapon attributes selected by a player. In one implementation, a player may be provided an option to create a weapon configuration after selection and/or customization of a weapon. In another implementation, a weapon configuration may be automatically created after a player has selected a weapon and/or weapon attributes. In some implementations, players may create multiple weapon configurations for use during various gameplay sessions.

In one implementation, configuration creation engine 124 may associate a name with a created weapon configuration for easy identification of the weapon configuration. For example, configuration creation engine 124 may assign a name or other identifier to a weapon configuration, or enable a player to enter a name (e.g., “Frank's Pain Inflictor”) or other identifier during or after creation of a weapon configuration. A name or identifier may comprise a predetermined number (e.g., sixteen) of letters, numbers, and/or other characters. Other types of data may be associated with a weapon configuration.

Each weapon configuration may be stored (e.g., in database 160) such that it is accessible by a player (or other user) at a later time as described in detail below.

Weapon Performance Statistics

According to an aspect of the invention, each weapon configuration may include a performance profile comprising one or more weapon performance statistics. Examples of weapon performance statistics may include, but are not limited to, damage, accuracy, fire rate, range, handling, mobility, reload time, magazine size, and damage multipliers, among others. Each performance statistic may have an associated number (or other value or rating) that falls within a predetermined range. It should be appreciated that each weapon or weapon type may have different weapon performance statistics than other weapons or weapon types. As a non-limiting example, when compared to a submachine gun, a sniper rifle may have a higher range proficiency (or rating), but a lower fire rate.

Configuration creation engine 124 may store, otherwise access (e.g., from database 160), and/or manage weapon performance statistics for weapons, weapon types, and/or weapon attributes. In one implementation, configuration creation engine 124 may establish a performance profile for a customized weapon configuration. For example, a given weapon may have an initial or template performance profile. One or more of the weapon performance statistics comprising the performance profile may then be adjusted depending on the particular weapon attributes selected by the player. Each weapon attribute may impact one or more of the weapon performance statistics by a predetermined amount in a positive or negative manner, or have a neutral impact on a weapon performance statistic. As a non-limiting example, a weapon equipped with a suppressor attachment may have a reduced damage proficiency (or rating) and range proficiency as compared to the same weapon without the suppressor attachment. In an alternative example, an assault rifle used with a full metal jacket may have an increased damage proficiency, but a reduced accuracy proficiency.

Selecting Weapon Configurations

Prior to or during a gameplay session, a player may select to use a default (e.g., a stock or template) weapon configuration, a weapon configuration previously created by the player, or a weapon configuration from among various weapon configurations that have been created and shared (or otherwise made available) by other players (as described in greater detail below).

In some implementations, a player may also select a weapon configuration when creating a personalized or customized player profile, or a “class” or “loadout” in the Call of Duty® franchise. As previously noted, some first-person shooter games (such as Call of Duty®) enable players to customize the appearance of their avatar (or game character), their weapons, perks or special abilities, and the like. To avoid having to re-create a customized weapon configuration from scratch when creating a new player profile (or class), weapon configuration application 120 may enable a player to select a weapon configuration previously created by the player, or by other players. It should be appreciated that, in some implementations, a created weapon configuration may be provided for selection whenever a player has an any opportunity to select or create a new weapon.

In one implementation, a weapon configuration that is created during creation of a new player profile (or class) may be stored (e.g., in database 160) such that it is accessible by a player (or other user) at a later time.

Monitoring Gameplay Performance

According to an aspect of the invention, monitoring engine 126 may monitor and store a variety of statistics during a gameplay session. Monitored gameplay statistics may include, for example, player performance statistics when using a weapon configuration, weapon usage statistics, or other gameplay statistics.

Examples of player performance statistics for a given weapon configuration may include number of kills, accuracy, kill-to-death ratio, win-loss ratio, kills per minute, score, or other statistics. Each player performance statistic may comprise a numerical value or other metric.

Weapon usage statistics for a given weapon configuration may include number of shots fired, number of games played, time played, weapon progress, and/or other information related to the use or performance of a weapon configuration. Each weapon usage statistic may comprise a numerical value or other metric.

Player performance statistics and/or weapon usage statistics may be uniform across some or all weapon configurations. Alternatively, some weapon configurations may have a unique set of gameplay statistics based on, for example, weapon, weapon type, and/or weapon attributes.

In one implementation, gameplay statistics for a weapon configuration may be monitored and stored based on each use of the weapon configuration by a player. Acquired statistics may be analyzed on a per player basis, or aggregated for two or more players, over any number of gameplay sessions and/or for any given time period (e.g., uses of the weapon configuration in the last hour, day, week, month, year, etc.). In this manner, various subsets of monitored gameplay statistics for a given weapon configuration can be obtained.

Player Performance Rating

According to an aspect of the invention, for a given weapon configuration, one or more player performance statistics (described above) may be added or averaged over a predetermined number of gameplay sessions (or over a predetermined time interval) to generate an overall player performance rating for a player for that weapon configuration.

The overall player performance rating for one or more players for a given weapon configuration may be added or averaged to generate a global player performance rating for that weapon configuration.

Weapon Usage Rating

Similarly, for a given weapon configuration, one or more weapon usage statistics (described above) may be added or averaged over a predetermined number of gameplay sessions (or over a predetermined time interval) to generate an overall weapon usage rating for a player for that weapon configuration.

The overall weapon usage rating for one or more players for a given weapon configuration may be added or averaged to generate a global weapon usage rating for that weapon configuration.

Weapon Performance Rating

In one implementation, a global player performance rating for a given weapon configuration and a global weapon usage rating for the same weapon configuration may be added or averaged to generate a single weapon performance rating for the weapon configuration.

In some implementations, players may, via one or more user interfaces, browse or filter various weapon configurations available for selection and use by one or more of individual player performance rating, global player performance rating, individual weapon usage rating, global weapon usage rating, or single weapon performance rating.

Sharing Weapon Configurations & Gameplay Statistics

According to an aspect of the invention, sharing engine 128 (of weapon customization application 120) may enable a player to share weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics associated with use of weapon configurations, both internally (e.g., in-game) and externally (e.g., via one or more external social networks).

For example, for a given weapon configuration, a player may specify, via one or more interfaces, that he or she wishes to share one or more of weapon type, weapon, weapon performance attributes (e.g., weapon attachments, components, or accessories), weapon appearance attributes (e.g., paint job, camouflages, decorative skins, or other finishes), weapon performance statistics (e.g., damage, accuracy, fire rate, range, handling, mobility, reload time, magazine size, damage multipliers, etc.), player performance statistics (e.g., number of kills, accuracy, kill-to-death ratio, win-loss ratio, kills per minute, score, or other statistics), weapon usage statistics (e.g., number of shots fired, number of games played, time played, weapon progress, and/or other information related to the use or performance of the weapon configuration), individual player performance rating, global player performance rating, individual weapon usage rating, global weapon usage rating, single weapon performance rating, or other information relating the weapon configuration. A player may further specify that he or she wishes to make a customized weapon configuration available for gameplay by one or more other players.

In some implementations, a user may specify that a customized weapon configuration and/or some or all of the foregoing information be made available to all players, or a subset of players including, but not limited to, friends (or followers), or team members, or other groups of players.

Sharing engine 128 may enable a player to share weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics internally (in-game) via, for example, an in-game social network or a game publisher-centric social network accessible by game players.

Additionally or alternatively, sharing engine 128 may enable a player to share weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics via one or more external social networks (e.g., Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Tumblr, etc.).

In one implementation of the invention, sharing engine 128 may enable a player to transmit communications (e.g., email messages, text messages, or other electronic communications) that include hyperlinks or other selectable graphical user interface objects that enable recipients to access the shared information.

In yet another implementation of the invention, sharing engine 128 may further enable a player to include personalized text, graphics, pictures, audio, video, or other multimedia when sharing weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics. As a non-limiting example, sharing engine 128 may enable a player to provide a video clip highlighting gameplay using the particular weapon configuration.

Challenges

According to an aspect of the invention, sharing engine 128 may enable a player to issue challenges to one or more other players to obtain or exceed certain player performance statistics (e.g., number of kills, accuracy, kill-to-death ratio, win-loss ratio, kills per minute, score, or other statistics), weapon usage statistics, or ratings, and/or achieve other objectives using a given weapon configuration. Challenges may have predetermined durations such that a challenge issuer may require a challenge recipient to attempt or complete a challenge within a predetermined number of gameplay sessions, or within a predetermined time interval.

In one implementation, players may follow the progress of various challenges via one or more challenge interfaces. For example, for a given challenge, a display, timer, or other interface element may convey challenge-related information including, without limitation, time remaining for challenge, number of gameplay sessions remaining for challenge, number of attempts thus far by challenge recipient, recipient performance statistics or ratings thus far, and the like.

Exemplary Interfaces

According to an aspect of the invention, weapon customization application 120 may generate various interfaces that enable players to, among other things, create customized weapon configurations, share weapon configurations, share information about weapon configurations, share gameplay statistics, issue challenges to other players, and/or monitor challenge-related information. FIGS. 3A-3E each depict an example of a user interface that a player may access in one or more implementations of the invention. The layout of each interface is exemplary in nature, and should not be viewed as limiting. The content of each interface may vary in different implementations along with, for instance, the various navigational tools that enable users to select, access, display, or navigate through the features and functionality of the interface, including selection objects (or buttons), drop-down menus, and the like.

FIG. 3A depicts an example of a weapon configuration interface 300A for displaying a player's weapon configuration(s), according to an aspect of the invention. As shown, interface 300A depicts a weapon configuration graphical selection menu 302 of icons or other graphical selection objects that display (or enable a player to access) one or more weapon configurations (or variants). Weapon display 308 displays a graphical representation of a selected weapon configuration, along with a weapon configuration name 306 (e.g., “Major Pain”).

A weapon performance attribute graphical selection menu 312 of icons or other graphical selection objects may display (or enable a player to access) one or more equipped attachments, components, or accessories for the selected weapon configuration.

A weapon appearance attribute graphical selection menu 314 of icons or other graphical selection objects may display (or enable a player to access) one or more characteristics concerning the finish of (all or a portion of) the selected weapon including, but not limited to, paint job, camouflages, or other decorative skins for a weapon.

Interface 300A may further comprise a gameplay statistics graphical selection menu 318 of icons or other graphical selection objects that displays (or enables a player to access) gameplay statistics for the selected weapon configuration including, but not limited to, player performance statistics (e.g., number of kills, accuracy, kill-to-death ratio, win-loss ratio, kills per minute, score, or other statistics), weapon usage statistics (e.g., number of shots fired, number of games played, time played, weapon progress, and/or other information related to the use or performance of the weapon configuration), individual player performance rating, global player performance rating, individual weapon usage rating, global weapon usage rating, single weapon performance rating, or other information relating the weapon configuration.

A sharing graphical selection menu 320 of icons or other graphical selection objects may enable a player to share the selected weapon configuration, information about the selected weapon configuration, and/or gameplay statistics associated with use of the selected weapon configuration internally (e.g., in-game) and/or externally (e.g., via one or more external social networks), as well as issue challenges to one or more other players that involve the selected weapon configuration.

FIG. 3B depicts an example of a weapon configuration interface 300B for displaying weapon performance attributes associated with a selected weapon configuration, according to an aspect of the invention. As shown, graphical selection menu 312 of icons or other graphical selection objects may display (or enable a player to access) one or more equipped attachments, components, or accessories for the selected weapon configuration. In this example, selected weapon performance attributes include “Quickdraw,” “Extended Mag,” and “Supressor.” Further, selection (or highlighting) of a particular weapon performance attribute (e.g., “stock” 322 a) may result in a display of a description 322 b of the attribute and its capabilities, benefits, or other information. Interface 300B may further comprise a weapon performance statistic display 326 that depicts one or more weapon performance statistics (e.g., damage, accuracy, fire rate, range, handling, mobility, reload time, magazine size, damage multipliers, etc.) for the selected weapon configuration.

FIG. 3C depicts an example of a weapon configuration interface 300C for displaying weapon appearance attributes associated with a selected weapon configuration, according to an aspect of the invention. As shown, graphical selection menu 314 of icons or other graphical selection objects may display (or enable a player to access) one or more weapon appearance attributes (e.g., paint job, camouflages, other decorative skins, etc.) for the selected weapon configuration. In this example, menu 314 depicts various forms of camouflage (some of which are available for selection, and some of which are “locked” or unavailable for selection). As illustrated, a “none” icon 330 has been selected indicating that no camouflage is to be applied to the weapon. A depiction 332 of a selected paint job for the weapon configuration is also displayed in weapon display 308.

FIG. 3D depicts an example of a weapon configuration interface 300D for displaying gameplay statistics associated with a selected weapon configuration, according to an aspect of the invention. As shown, a player performance statistic display 336 displays various player performance statistics that a player has achieved using the selected weapon configuration, including kills, headshots, accuracy, and kill-to-death ratio. Other statistics may of course be displayed. A weapon level performance display 338 is also depicted in interface 300D.

FIG. 3E depicts an example of a weapon configuration interface 300E, according to an aspect of the invention. As shown, a weapon type display panel 340 may depict various weapon types and their associated weapon configurations.

For example, the “Assault Rifles” weapon type is shown as being highlighted (or otherwise selected) in display panel 340, and the associated weapon configurations 342 (e.g., including “Major Pain” and “Optic Gaming”) are identified as example weapon configurations available for selection for the “Assault Rifle” weapon type.

Interface 300E may further comprise weapon performance statistic display 326 that depicts one or more weapon performance statistics (e.g., damage, accuracy, fire rate, range, handling, mobility, reload time, magazine size, damage multipliers, etc.) for the selected weapon configuration 342.

Exemplary Flowchart

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary flowchart of processing operations for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks, according to an implementation of the invention. The various processing operations and/or data flows depicted in FIG. 4 are described in greater detail herein. The described operations may be accomplished using some or all of the system components described in detail above and, in some implementations, various operations may be performed in different sequences and various operations may be omitted. Additional operations may be performed along with some or all of the operations shown in the depicted flow diagram. One or more operations may be performed simultaneously. Accordingly, the operations as illustrated (and described in greater detail below) are exemplary by nature and, as such, should not be viewed as limiting.

In an operation 402, a player may select a type of weapon to be used in a gameplay session via one or more user interfaces. Non-limiting examples of weapon types may include, without limitation, assault weapons, light machine guns, sniper rifles, shotguns, submachine guns, pistols, or other weapon types.

In an operation 404, a player may select a weapon from among a chosen weapon type. Each weapon type, for example, may comprise one or more associated weapons.

In an operation 406, a player may customize a selected weapon by selecting one or more weapon attributes via one or more user interfaces. Weapon attributes may comprise weapon performance attributes, weapon appearance attributes, or other attributes.

Weapon performance attributes may comprise various weapon attachments, components, or accessories including, but not limited to, sights and optics, suppressors, grips, bullet types, barrels, launchers, etc. that can impact the performance of a weapon.

Weapon appearance attributes may comprise characteristics concerning the finish of (all or a portion of) a weapon including, but not limited to, paint job, camouflages, or other decorative skins for a weapon.

In an operation 408, a weapon configuration (or weapon profile) may be created and stored based on a weapon and/or weapon attributes selected by the player. In one implementation, a player may be provided an option to create a weapon configuration after selection and/or customization of a weapon. In another implementation, a weapon configuration may be automatically created after a player has selected a weapon and/or weapon attributes. In some implementations, players may create multiple weapon configurations for use during various gameplay sessions. A name or other identifier may be assigned to or associated with a weapon configuration during or after creation of a weapon configuration. Other types of data may be associated with a weapon configuration.

In an operation 410, prior to or during a gameplay session, a player may select to use a default (e.g., a stock or template) weapon configuration, a weapon configuration previously created by the player, or a weapon configuration from among various weapon configurations that have been created and shared (or otherwise made available) by other players.

In some implementations, a player may also select a weapon configuration when creating a personalized or customized player profile.

In an operation 412, a variety of gameplay statistics may be monitored and stored during a gameplay session. Monitored gameplay statistics may include, for example, player performance statistics when using a weapon configuration, weapon usage statistics, or other gameplay statistics.

Player performance statistics for a given weapon configuration may include number of kills, accuracy, kill-to-death ratio, win-loss ratio, kills per minute, score, or other statistics. Each player performance statistic may comprise a numerical value or other metric.

Weapon usage statistics for a given weapon configuration may include number of shots fired, number of games played, time played, weapon progress, and/or other information related to the use or performance of a weapon configuration. Each weapon usage statistic may comprise a numerical value or other metric.

Player performance statistics and/or weapon usage statistics may be uniform across some or all weapon configurations. Alternatively, some weapon configurations may have a unique set of gameplay statistics based on, for example, weapon, weapon type, and/or weapon attributes.

Gameplay statistics for a weapon configuration may be monitored and stored based on each use of the weapon configuration by a player. Acquired statistics may be analyzed on a per player basis, or aggregated for two or more players, over any number of gameplay sessions and/or for any given time period (e.g., uses of the weapon configuration in the last hour, day, week, month, year, etc.). In this manner, various subsets of monitored gameplay statistics for a given weapon configuration can be obtained.

For a given weapon configuration, one or more of the player performance statistics described above may be added or averaged over a predetermined number of gameplay sessions (or over a predetermined time interval) to generate an overall player performance rating for a player for that weapon configuration. The overall player performance rating for one or more players for a given weapon configuration may be added or averaged to generate a global player performance rating for that weapon configuration.

Similarly, for a given weapon configuration, one or more weapon usage statistics (described above) may be added or averaged over a predetermined number of gameplay sessions (or over a predetermined time interval) to generate an overall weapon usage rating for a player for that weapon configuration. The overall weapon usage rating for one or more players for a given weapon configuration may be added or averaged to generate a global weapon usage rating for that weapon configuration.

A global player performance rating for a given weapon configuration and a global weapon usage rating for the same weapon configuration may be added or averaged to generate a single weapon performance rating for the weapon configuration. In this regard, in some implementations, players may browse or filter various weapon configurations available for selection and use by one or more of individual player performance rating, global player performance rating, individual weapon usage rating, global weapon usage rating, or single weapon performance rating.

In an operation 414, a player may elect to share weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics associated with use of weapon configurations, both internally (e.g., in-game) and externally (e.g., via one or more external social networks).

For example, for a given weapon configuration, a player may specify, via one or more interfaces, that he or she wishes to share one or more of weapon type, weapon, weapon performance attributes (e.g., weapon attachments, components, or accessories), weapon appearance attributes (e.g., paint job, camouflages, decorative skins, or other finishes), weapon performance statistics (e.g., damage, accuracy, fire rate, range, handling, mobility, reload time, magazine size, damage multipliers, etc.), player performance statistics (e.g., number of kills, accuracy, kill-to-death ratio, win-loss ratio, kills per minute, score, or other statistics), weapon usage statistics (e.g., number of shots fired, number of games played, time played, weapon progress, and/or other information related to the use or performance of the weapon configuration), individual player performance rating, global player performance rating, individual weapon usage rating, global weapon usage rating, single weapon performance rating, or other information relating the weapon configuration. A player may further specify that he or she wishes to make a customized weapon configuration available for gameplay by one or more other players.

In some implementations, a user may specify that a customized weapon configuration and/or some or all of the foregoing information be made available to all players, or a subset of players including, but not limited to, friends (or followers), or team members, or other groups of players.

Weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics may be shared internally (in-game) via, for example, an in-game social network or a game publisher-centric social network accessible by game players. Additionally or alternatively, weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics may be shared via one or more external social networks (e.g., Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Tumblr, etc.).

In some implementations, communications (e.g., email messages, text messages, or other electronic communications) may be transmitted from a player to one or more recipients that include hyperlinks or other selectable graphical user interface objects that enable the recipients to access the shared information.

In yet another implementation of the invention, a player may include personalized text, graphics, pictures, audio, video, or other multimedia when sharing weapon configurations, information about weapon configurations, and/or gameplay statistics.

According to an aspect of the invention, a player may further issue challenges to one or more other players to obtain or exceed certain player performance statistics (e.g., number of kills, accuracy, kill-to-death ratio, win-loss ratio, kills per minute, score, or other statistics), weapon usage statistics, or ratings, and/or achieve other objectives using a given weapon configuration. Challenges may have predetermined durations such that a challenge issuer may require a challenge recipient to attempt or complete a challenge within a predetermined number of gameplay sessions, or within a predetermined time interval.

In one implementation, players may follow the progress of various challenges via one or more challenge interfaces. For example, for a given challenge, a display, timer, or other interface element may convey challenge-related information including, without limitation, time remaining for challenge, number of gameplay sessions remaining for challenge, number of attempts thus far by challenge recipient, recipient performance statistics or ratings thus far, and the like.

Other implementations, uses and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification should be considered exemplary only, and the scope of the invention is accordingly intended to be limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method of creating and sharing a customized video game weapon configuration in a gameplay session of a multiplayer video game via at least one social network, the method being implemented in a host computer system configured to host the gameplay session of the multiplayer video game between a first player using a first computer system and one or more other players using one or more other computer systems, said host computer system having one or more physical processors programmed with computer program instructions for a weapons customization application comprising at least a weapon customization engine and a sharing engine that, when executed by the one or more physical processors, cause the host computer system to perform the method, the method comprising: receiving, at the weapons application configured to execute on the host computer system, from the first player, a selection of a video game weapon to be used in the gameplay session of the multiplayer video game; using the weapon customization engine configured to execute on the host computer system, generating one or more user interfaces configured to present one or more weapon attributes to the first player; receiving, at the weapon customization engine, from the first player, a selection of the one or more weapon attributes for customizing the video game weapon; generating, by the weapon customization engine, a customized weapon configuration for the video game weapon based on the selected weapon and the selected one or more weapon attributes; receiving, at the sharing engine configured to execute on the host computer system, from the first player, a command to share the customized weapon configuration with the one or more other players of the multiplayer video game via at least one social network; and causing the customized weapon configuration to be shared, via the host computer system, with the one or more other players of the multiplayer video game via the at least one social network such that the one or more other players can utilize the customized weapon configuration during a gameplay session, wherein the at least one social network is a game-specific social network associated with the multiplayer video game or a publisher-specific social network associated with the publisher of the multiplayer video game, and wherein the customized video game weapon configuration is sharable by the first player with one or more players within the gameplay session of the video game or with one or more players external to the video game via a social network.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the selection of the video game weapon further comprises: causing, by the weapons customization application, a display of a plurality of video game weapons associated with a particular weapon type; and receiving, at weapons customization application, the selection of the video game weapon from among the plurality of displayed video game weapons.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more weapon attributes comprise weapon performance attributes.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the weapon performance attributes comprise one or more weapon accessories for the video game weapon.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more weapon attributes comprise weapon appearance attributes.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the weapon appearance attributes comprise one or more of a paint job, camouflage, or decorative skin for the video game weapon.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one social network comprises a third-party social network.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: monitoring by a monitoring engine of the weapons customization application, gameplay statistics associated with use of the customized weapon configuration during the gameplay session of the video game.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the gameplay statistics comprise player performance statistics.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the gameplay statistics comprise weapon usage statistics.
 11. A system for creating and sharing a customized video game weapon configuration in a gameplay session of a multiplayer video game via at least one social network, the system comprising: a host computer system configured to facilitate the gameplay session of the multiplayer video game between a first player using a first computer system and one or more other players using associated one or more other computer systems, said host computer system comprising one or more physical processors programmed with one or more computer program instructions for a weapons customization application comprising at least a weapon customization engine and a sharing engine, which, when executed, programs the host computer system to: receive, from the first player, at the weapons customization application configured to execute on the host computer, a selection of a video game weapon to be used in the gameplay session of the multiplayer video game; use the weapon customization engine configured to execute on the host computer system, to generate one or more user interfaces configured to present one or more weapon attributes to the first player; receive, at the weapon customization engine, from the first player, a selection of one or more weapon attributes for customizing the video game weapon; generate, by the weapon customization engine, a customized weapon configuration for the video game weapon based on the selected weapon and the selected one or more weapon attributes; receive, from the first player, at the sharing engine configured to execute on the host computer system, a command to share the customized weapon configuration with the one or more other players of the multiplayer video game via at least one social network; and cause the customized weapon configuration to be shared, via the host computer system, with the one or more other players of the multiplayer video game via the at least one social network such that the one or more other players can utilize the customized weapon configuration during a gameplay session, wherein the at least one social network is a game-specific social network associated with the multiplayer video game or publisher-specific social network associated with the publisher of the multiplayer video game, and wherein the customized video game weapon configuration is sharable by the first player with the one or more players within the gameplay session of the video game or with one or more players external to the video game via a social network.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the host computer system is further programmed to: cause a display of a plurality of video game weapons associated with a particular weapon type; and receive the selection of the video game weapon from among the plurality of displayed video game weapons.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more weapon attributes comprise weapon performance attributes.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the weapon performance attributes comprise one or more weapon accessories for the video game weapon.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more weapon attributes comprise weapon appearance attributes.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the weapon appearance attributes comprise one or more of a paint job, camouflage, or decorative skin for the video game weapon.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein the at least one social network comprises a third-party social network.
 18. The system of claim 11, wherein the host computer system is further programmed to: monitor gameplay statistics associated with use of the customized weapon configuration during a gameplay session.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the gameplay statistics comprise player performance statistics, wherein the one or more weapon attributes presented to the first player are based on at least a type of the weapon and the player performance statistics.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the gameplay statistics comprise weapon usage statistics.
 21. A computer program product for creating and sharing a customized video game weapon configuration in a gameplay session of a multiplayer video game via at least one social network, the computer program product comprising: one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage devices associated with a host computer configured to facilitate the gameplay session of the multiplayer video game between a first player using a first computer system and one or more other players using associated one or more other computer systems; program instructions, stored on at least one of the one or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable tangible storage devices for a weapons customization application comprising at least a weapon customization engine and a sharing engine, that, when executed, programs the host computer to: receive, from the first player, at the weapons customization application configured to execute on the host computer, a selection of a video game weapon to be used in the gameplay session of the multiplayer video game; use the weapon customization engine configured to execute on the host computer system, to generate one or more user interfaces configured to present one or more weapon attributes to the first player; receive, at the weapon customization engine, from the first player, a selection of one or more weapon attributes for customizing the video game weapon; generate, by the weapon customization engine, a customized weapon configuration for the video game weapon based on the selected weapon and the selected one or more weapon attributes; receive, from the first player, at the sharing engine configured to execute on the host computer system, a command to share the customized weapon configuration with the one or more other players of the multiplayer video game via at least one social network; and cause the customized weapon configuration to be shared, via the host computer system, with the one or more other players of the multiplayer video game via the at least one social network such that the one or more other players can utilize the customized weapon configuration during a gameplay session, wherein the at least one social network is an in-game social network or a social network centered around a publisher of the multiplayer video, and wherein the customized video game weapon configuration is sharable by the first player with the one or more players within the gameplay session of the video game, or with one or more players external to the video game via a social network. 